Powerful quake hit South Pacific, US Geological Survey says

The US Geological Survey says a powerful quake hit the South Pacific near the Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia, at about 1:57 p.m. on Friday local time.

The quake had an estimated magnitude of 7.7. Its focus was estimated to be 37.7 kilometers underground.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warned that tsunami could occur off the coasts of New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji.

Meanwhile, the Japanese Meteorological Agency says there may be a slight change in the tide along the country's coastline. It adds there is no risk of tsunami in Japan.